Middle Georgia State University receives $75K grant to support students facing homelessness, foster care

MGA programs aim to help students overcome barriers to college graduation

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Middle Georgia State University has received a $75,000 grant to expand support for students who have experienced foster care or homelessness.

The university’s Office of Student Care received the Embark Georgia Campus Capacity grant, which is supported by the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation and administered by the Embark Georgia Center at the University of Georgia’s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development.

The funding will help MGA develop two programs, Beacon Scholars and Luminary Scholars, aimed at helping students remain in college and stay on track toward graduation.

The programs will connect students with resources, provide life skills training and encourage them to use available academic and support services.

“We want these students to know they have a support system at MGA and access to resources that can help them navigate college and prepare for life after graduation,” said Elaine Martin, assistant director of Student Care at MGA.

The Beacon Scholars program will initially serve about five students who have experienced foster care, homelessness or both.

Participants will receive housing and meal plans, weekly success coaching, monthly meetings, financial literacy training and connections to academic support and career resources.

Students also will have opportunities to earn incentives for completing program milestones. The incentives are designed to help cover expenses such as technology and academic supplies.

At the beginning of each semester, participants will set a financial goal and work toward meeting it with additional support from the program.

MGA also plans to establish the Luminary Scholars program, which will focus on leadership development and career readiness.

Participants will include students who have completed the Beacon Scholars program, along with other students who have experienced foster care or homelessness and demonstrated academic success.

Luminary Scholars will receive a leadership stipend for providing peer mentorship and guidance to Beacon Scholars.

University officials say the mentorship program will allow students to share their experiences and help others navigate challenges while pursuing their education.

MGA plans to launch both programs in spring 2027.